Friends of Knockhill Park secure £9000 investment for new ‘expression swing’

Parents and carers in Renfrew can get closer to their little ones thanks to a new ‘expression swing’ set to be installed in Knockhill Park.

Local volunteer group, Friends of Knockhill Park, secured a £9088 investment from Renfrewshire Council’s Green Spaces, Parks and Play Areas and Villages Investment Fund to install the swing within the park, as well as an array of new seating and picnic benches.

The swing offers a bonding experience that is both relaxing and fun and was requested by local families through a consultation process held earlier this year.

Margaret Laird, Chairperson of Knockhill Park, said: “I’ve lived and played in this park all my life and it’s amazing to see families coming back into the park because of what our group has achieved.

“We’re bringing in a parent and toddler swing which allows both people to be on it at the same time, which is especially good for young children who may be uneasy when their parent or carer is not with them.

“This swing will touch another part of the community which may have been missing and it’s a great investment as it’ll go on for years and years.”

The new equipment will enhance the parks facilities which currently include seven-a-side football pitches, swings, slides, a climbing web, an outdoor gym and a dog agility zone.

Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board, said: “Friends of Knockhill Park have carried out some amazing work in recent years to make the park an inviting, welcoming place for the Renfrew community.

“This latest improvement will be great for families to use with their little ones and I’m sure it will be very well received by parents and carers in the area.

“New seating and picnic benches will also be welcome as it gives people a place to relax and enjoy the local park.

“If you have an idea for a similar project, please get in touch with the team and we’ll support you to make your application to the fund.”

The £1.87million fund aims to regenerate and make physical and environmental improvements to areas across Renfrewshire identified by the local community.

Awards from the fund will assist in bringing in external funding, increase community participation in local areas and encourage the process of transferring assets to local communities.

Each application must show it has consulted the local community to ensure there is a need and desire for the project and that it would improve community life.

£370,000 has been ringfenced from the overall £1.87million fund specifically for investment in Renfrewshire’s villages, through the Villages Investment Fund, and applications for this must show that they will strengthen the unique identity, heritage and character of village life.

For more information and to find out how to apply, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/greenspacesfund.